Armwood Boys Basketball Coach Sees Promise in the Season

The Armwood High School boys basketball team forever lives under the shadow of the school's nationally ranked football program.

With the Hawks pushing deep into December annually on the gridiron, it can be very difficult for ninth-year basketball head coach Jeff Pafunda to attract and keep dual-sport athletes on his team.

As a result, Pafunda said, "We look for guys who only play basketball." 

But not always.

According to Pafunda, junior Darryl Richardson should make his way over to the basketball court after football season. And then, maybe, "a couple more bodies."

Pafunda said he would enjoy having at his disposal the talents of junior Alvin Bailey, who's been playing quarterback for the Hawks.

Meanwhile, Armwood on the court had a strong showing against a taller Brandon team, but fell 61-53 when the Nov. 29 game slipped away in the final minutes.

"I was pleased with the way we were able to battle back," Pafunda said. "That's something we haven't done well in the past."

The Hawks bounced back from four, 3-pointers executed by Brandon's Charles Johnson, to stay close for most of the game.

Offensive rebounds also were key to keeping the game within reach, as the Hawks had 15. They got a handsome effort from junior center Marcus Hill, who came away with 20 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots.

"Hill is very steady and can score with the ball," Pafunda said.

Around Hill, who moved up to varsity last year, third-year varsity forward senior Zarko Stojakovic and senior guard Derek Welch-Weaver bring some veteran leadership to the table. Junior Vontrey Hill (no relation to Marcus) provides some youth to a program that went 0-24 last year.

There is plenty of room for improvement.

As Pafunda put it: "This year and the next two years should be good years for us."